PRESS RELEASES

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will conduct "Operation Safe Passage" statewide on Thanksgiving Eve November 23rd

DPS brings back the "10 mile detail" on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday

Monday, November 21, 2011 -

The aim of the operation is to promote safe travel while maintaining a visual presence and quick response to traffic incidents throughout the state

On Wednesday, November 23rd, one of the busiest travel days of the year, Arizona drivers will see DPS Highway Patrol officers every 10 miles along the four major interstates in the state.It is expected that more travelers will take to the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday and DPS officers will be out in force in an effort to help ensure travelers arrive at their destinations safely.

Operation Safe Passage will primarily focus on Interstates 8, 10, 17 and 40. Officers will be stationed approximately every 10 miles on these interstates in the rural areas.On the interstates that run through major metropolitan areas, officers will be stationed about every two miles.

The goal of Operation Safe Passage is to ensure a quick response to incidents along the highways and maintain a “zero tolerance” approach towards hazardous moving violations such as speeding, following too closely and unsafe lane changes.

During the Thanksgiving weekend of 2010, there were 12 fatal crashes leading to 13 people being killed statewide, of which four were alcohol related crashes.

Ultimately, the Department of Public Safety would like to remind drivers to use their seatbelts and child restraint systems, get plenty of rest before a trip, and stay sober during their travels.